
CTBS Annual Member Appreciation Party
All members are free and non-members are $10
Willie J Laws
A Texas guitar “gun slinger”, vocalist and song writer following in the footsteps of T-Bone Walker, Lightning Hopkins, Albert King and many others. This music is the kind of real Texas soul, all mixed up with classic R&B, country, blues/funk that grows from the Texas soil. Willie has performed nationally and internationally, including 2 tours of Russia at the invite of the US Consulate in St Petersburg.
Once the house band at The House of Blues/Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and Margeritaville in New Orleans. Winners of the Mass Blues Society Challenge 2011, Semi-finalists at the International Blues Competition 2012 and Beale St Kings Awards. A two time nominee for New England Music Award - Best Blues Act 2015 and 2016, 2015 Nominee for Boston Music Award - Best Blues Act 2015. Come see what many are calling the "Real Deal".
Ryan Hartt
2025 CTBS CD Challenge Winner
Ryan Hartt is a dynamic harmonica player, vocalist, and songwriter whose sound bridges the grit of traditional blues with the energy of modern roots music. Known for his fiery stage presence and deep command of tone and phrasing, Hartt has built a reputation as one of New England’s most soulful and expressive blues artists.
Fronting Ryan Hartt & The Blue Hearts for over two decades, Hartt has toured extensively across the U.S., sharing stages with harmonica icons such as Rod Piazza Rick Estrin and Mark Hummel. His performances blend Chicago-style grooves, West Coast swing, and his own sharp songwriting sensibility, earning praise for their authenticity and infectious energy.
In 2025, Ryan released his solo debut, Be About It!, a record that showcases his growth as both a storyteller and musician. The album captures Hartt’s lifelong dedication to the traditional Blues while simultaneously being fresh and contemporary.